Black Players for Change Star in National PSA Addressing Mental Health Crisis

The national “Love, Your Mind” campaign, in collaboration with Black Players for Change, today unveiled a new public service advertisement (PSA) encouraging individuals, particularly men of color, to make their mental health a priority. “Love, Your Mind” is a collaboration from the Huntsman Mental Health Institute and the Ad Council designed to create a more open, accepting and proactive society when it comes to mental health.

The PSA (also available in Spanish) stars current D.C. United soccer players and Black Players for Change members Matai Akinmboni and Cristian Dájome along with former players Bill Hamid, Chris Odoi-Atsem and Donovan Pines. As the players acknowledge the pressures they feel and the importance of leaning on one another for support, the video encourages viewers to likewise find strength in being vulnerable. The video directs audiences to LoveYourMindToday.org for free mental health resources.

"Black Players for Change is compelled to emphasize the critical importance of open and transparent conversations about mental health,” said Allen Hopkins, Jr., executive director, Black Players for Change. “The complexities of our experiences as Black individuals in America demand recognition, understanding, and dialogue. Together, in steadfast partnership with the Love Your Mind campaign, we are helping to build a culture where every voice is heard, every struggle acknowledged, and where the journey toward mental health is a path we walk hand in hand."

According to research fielded by the Ad Council in October 2023, 64% of Black and 63% of Hispanic adults report having a mental health condition, whether professionally or self-diagnosed, rates higher than the general population (55%). Of those with a condition, only 43% and 42%, respectively, say they are getting help or treatment.

“We’re grateful to Black Players for Change for joining this important effort to help destigmatize mental health challenges and provide tips and resources to help everyone thrive,” said Dr. William A. Smith, chief administrative officer for justice, equity, diversity and inclusion at Huntsman Mental Health Institute. “People of color in our country face unique challenges, including ongoing experiences of racism that can lead to ‘racial battle fatigue,’ and we’re proud to develop messages and resources that acknowledge and uplift them.”

D.C. United supported the creation of the PSA by donating access to filming at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. The video features the song “Do Better,” which was provided pro bono by Top Dawg Entertainment’s rapper, Ab-Soul. The PSA will appear nationwide in advertising space donated by the media.

“Working with athletes to break down the stigma surrounding mental health offers a unique opportunity to reach our audiences through the influential voices they look to both on and off the field,” said Heidi Arthur, chief campaign development officer, the Ad Council. "Together with such incredible partners, we are changing the game by spreading a message of empathy, resilience and empowerment that will resonate beyond the field."

The “Love, Your Mind” campaign first launched in October 2023 with PSAs designed to resonate with Black and Hispanic men. Throughout 2024 and beyond, PSAs, events and partnerships including this collaboration with Black Players for Change will extend this work and reach additional distinct audiences within the millions of U.S. adults who experience mental health challenges while also holding attitudes and beliefs that may discourage them from seeking help.

For more information about the “Love, Your Mind” campaign and to access free mental health resources, visit LoveYourMindToday.org or follow the campaign on Instagram, Facebook, X and TikTok.

ORIGINAL STORY PUBLISHED by Ad Council on January 17, 2024